I think the silence is a good thing. I am maybe delusional, haha, but if the band do have this six month timeframe for a new album, it's better to keep the leaks contained to a few people and let the press concentrate on the new album when the ball starts rolling. I am hoping the band premiere Hard School at the LV concerts which always stood out, to me at least, as 'different' to the other tour dates on the current run.

In my head, the next phase for the band is as big as their Coachella debut and I'd rather see the general public getting excited about that rather than these leaks

I would like to think most people know who the leaker is, and I think it would be better to put this to bed sooner rather than later so everyone can move forward. JMO

I thought that as well

I've asked on the forum, so we'll find out. If nothing else, it adds a bit more information about the song. It's always good to get a second mention of a song. It adds some verification to the CDII tracklist from ages ago, as we have had second mentions of Tonto and now this. All good.

No idea. It sounds like a song that Axl was belatedly proud of to be showing it off

If they are extending the release of one of the leaks, look out for who is most attention seeking during the period, and you'll find yourself the chairman.